Home › Routes › Kastoria to Tirana
How to get from Kastoria to Tirana
Driving from Kastoria to Tirana takes about 4 h via the Krystallopigi–Kapshticë border, Korçë and Elbasan. There is no direct public transport; the usual way without a car is a taxi to Korçë and a bus from Korçë to Tirana, about 3 h 30.
Best option: Car. There is no direct bus, and driving through Korçë is the quickest way across the border.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Drive west to the Krystallopigi (Greece)–Kapshticë (Albania) border, then via Korçë, Pogradec and Elbasan to Tirana (about 220 km) | about 4 h plus the border | fuel plus a short motorway toll near Tirana | Greek rental cars need permission and a green card (insurance) for Albania; ask when booking. | |
| bus Taxi from Kastoria to the border or to Korçë, then a bus or minibus (furgon) from Korçë to Tirana | about 1 h to Korçë plus about 3 h 30 by bus | buses from Korçë to Tirana several times a day | about €40–70 for the taxi plus about €8–10 for the bus | Check bus times in Korçë locally; departures are mostly in the morning and early afternoon. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- Albania uses the lek; euros are widely accepted in Tirana, but change is often given in lek.
- Korçë is worth a stop: an old town and bazaar about 1 h from the border.
- The road along Lake Ohrid near Pogradec is slow but scenic.
- Border queues can be long on summer weekends and around Greek and Albanian holidays.
Common questions
Is there a direct bus from Kastoria to Tirana?
Not as a regular service. Some international buses from northern Greece to Albania may pass through the region, but there is no dependable daily link from Kastoria. The practical option without a car is a taxi to Korçë and a bus from there to Tirana. Check locally for any new services.
How long is the drive from Kastoria to Tirana?
About 4 h for about 220 km, plus the border crossing at Krystallopigi–Kapshticë, which can take a few minutes or much longer at peak times. The route runs through Korçë, Pogradec and Elbasan. Roads are generally good, but slow through towns.
Can I drive a Greek rental car to Albania?
Many Greek rental companies allow it, but you must request permission and an insurance green card valid for Albania, often for an extra fee. Without them, you may be turned back at the border or be uninsured. Ask when you book, not when you collect the car.
Do I need a visa for Albania?
Many nationalities, including EU citizens and travellers from many other countries, can visit Albania without a visa for short stays. Others need a visa in advance. Albania is not in the Schengen area, so there is passport control at the border. Check current rules before travelling.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.